Moldy Pegasus Landing apartments not suitable housing, UCF says

Complaints of mold in apartments at Pegasus Landing prompted University of Central Florida on Friday to suspend its agreement to use the sprawling complex for student housing.

That cuts off the flow of new students to the 744-unit complex on Alafaya Trail. But hundreds of students with leases could be left to fend for themselves if they want to get out of current contracts or contracts for next school year.

However, university officials said they would offer "resources, guidance and references" through a telephone hotline and online network.

Officials said it's too soon to say how the decision will affect the university housing market for fall semester. About 2,500 students live in the complex, each paying from $545 to $640 a month on year-round leases.

University officials say they have been pressing Capital Project Finance Authority, owners of the 34 apartment buildings about a mile from campus, since February to come up with a comprehensive plan to assess the extent of the mold and correct it. Patience ran out Friday, they said.

"We have reached the point where we have been working in good faith with the company, but have not gotten the plan," said Grant Heston, university spokesman.

But the owners say they have been working on a fix that UCF's actions have short-circuited.

Bud Brewer, an Orlando publicist representing the owners, said the company was conducting air-quality testing, making repairs and setting up a system for renters to file complaints and get action when the university declared the company in default of its agreement. Under that agreement, UCF funnels students to Pegasus Landing, formerly known as Knight's Krossing, because it does not have sufficient on-campus housing.

"All of this was under way when the university issued a notice of default, aware that such action would have the immediate effect of halting all of the work that the owner already was doing," Brewer said.

Heston said university officials have no idea how many apartments are affected or the extent of student complaints, although Heston said some students had been let out of leases and others moved to different apartments. But he said there have been enough complaints to the apartment owners that some students have brought their concerns to the university as well.

A memo from a consultant who evaluated air-quality samples made reference to "14 individuals" who were moved out of their apartments. Dr. Stuart Brooks, a professor at University of South Florida, reported that he found "no imminent danger to the health of UCF students" based on the air samples from the apartments.

Although UCF does not own the buildings, it purchased the land where they sit in 2001, and since then has had the agreement for owners to provide student housing. The company also operates nearby Pegasus Pointe under a similar agreement.

University officials said they immediately are pulling 75 resident assistants from the complex. They act as everything from counselors to referees for the housing units, which have students as young as freshmen. Student assistance with problems will be offered through other means.

Spring graduation was Friday and continues Saturday. Officials said they are uncertain how many students are leaving the apartments and how many would remain at UCF for summer courses.